"It's all about the people on the ground. There have been a lot of people who have put the work in over five to 10 years in Eastleigh."

Lib Dem Sandra Gidley, who lost to Conservative Roy Perry in Romsey Extra, said she was disappointed but her stronger feeling was one of concern about the gains made by UKIP.

"It's a protest vote, it's a dangerous one; nobody knows what that party stands for," she said.

"It's now down to all politicians to try and reconnect with the public because what was clear to me is that the public have lost faith in all of us from all parties; that's why UKIP did well, not because they have anything to offer."

Voting was also held on the Isle of Wight on Thursday and counting began at 09:00 BST.